Learning, Sharing, and Growing: Highlights from GESA 2024

"The Global Environments Summer Academy (GESA) 2024 has been a transformative experience for all participants, and I am thrilled to share the journey with you." Massaho.

Mr. Massaho at the University of Oxford during GESA program

About Global Environments Summer Academy (GESA)

The Global Environments SummerAcademy (GESA) is a three-month immersive fellowship for changemakers who are working to find durable solutions to social and ecological injustice and complex ecological challenges. Globally, we are witnessing a rise in the destruction of ecosystems, catastrophic climate change,ruptures in socio-cultural fabrics, and the violent dispossession of living beings, amongstmany otherissues. GESAbrings together participants fromacross the world -including researchers, practitioners, activists, academics, ecologists and artists - who are actively finding solutions to some of themost pressingmatters facing humanity today. TheAcademy provides themwith mentoring, support, guidance, tools and expertise.

GESA 2024 cohort Participants

Week 1: The Quadrangle—Connecting Through Stories and Food Sovereignty

Our journey began at The Quadrangle, a serene setting that served as the perfect backdrop for our initial sessions. We had different sessions, the most I admired session was "The River of Life," a powerful exercise where each participant shared their life journey. This session was more than just an icebreaker; it was an opportunity to understand the diverse backgrounds and experiences that brought us all together. Hearing these stories deepened our connection and set the tone for the collaborative work ahead.

Participants expressing their life journey through the river of life story

Mr. Massaho expressing his life journey through the river of life story

Sharing local food with global community

Another significant focus of the first week was food sovereignty. We delved into global discussions about the food crisis, exploring how local foods play a crucial role in sustaining communities. In line with this theme, participants were invited to share their local dishes. Mr. Massaho prepared ugali and dagaa, a staple meal in East Africa that supports millions of lives. Sharing this food was not just about the flavors—it was about highlighting the importance of local food systems in the broader context of food sovereignty. This experience was a beautiful blend of cultural exchange and critical dialogue, setting the stage for the weeks to come..

Ugali dagaa food which was prepared by Mr. Massaho

Week 2: Oxford University—Bridging Conservation and Creativity

The second week of GESA took us to the historic halls of Oxford University, where we delved deeper into the intersection of conservation and creativity. This week was packed with sessions that combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills, making it one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had..

Mr. Massaho in the Oxford University

We explored topics like ethical photography and meaningful storytelling, which are crucial tools for conservationists aiming to raise awareness and drive change. The relationship between arts and ecology was another highlight, demonstrating how creative expression can be a powerful force in environmental activism. Beyond creativity, we also focused on the practical aspects of running organizations effectively. Hands-on sessions covered video and podcast production, accessing funding, writing effective proposals, budgeting, and reporting. These interactive sessions, which included presentations, roundtable discussions, and practical skills training, equipped us with the tools needed to enhance our impact in our respective fields.

photography & video podicast session

Visit to the Oxford Museum

Adding to the richness of this week, Mr. Massaho made a courtesy visit to the Oxford Museum, where he gained insights into the cultural and historical contexts that shape his work. This visit underscored the importance of integrating cultural understanding into our environmental efforts, a theme that resonated throughout his time at GESA..

Mr. Massaho at the Meseum of Oxford

Reflections and Looking Ahead

The first two weeks of GESA 2024 have been nothing short of transformative. The blend of personal stories, cultural exchanges, creative exploration, and practical skill-building has provided a comprehensive learning experience. It’s clear that GESA is more than just a fellowship—it’s a community of like-minded individuals committed to making a difference in the world. As we move forward in this journey, I am excited to continue learning, sharing, and growing alongside such a passionate group of people. The knowledge and connections we are building here will undoubtedly shape the future of our work in conservation and social justice..

"Special Thanks to the Global Diversity Foundation for hosting the GESA program and for creating such an impactful space for learning and collaboration. Your support and vision are helping us pave the way toward a more sustainable and just world". Says Massaho